Obamacare

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How exactly does it affect nurses? I've heard there are shortages of nurses all across the country, particularly the West coast. And was wondering if those shortages are due to the recent news about Obamacare.

Nurses are having a hard time finding work after graduating- a scary thought for anyone looking into nursing. There's obviously more than one underlying cause, but can anyone please shed some light on the situation?

Thanks!

Saysfaa

905 Posts

More likely the shortage of nurses disappeared because when the economy tanked causing many, many nurses who had not working as nurses to return to nursing and/or go from part time to full time.

Specializes in Pediatric/Adolescent, Med-Surg.
How exactly does it affect nurses? I've heard there are shortages of nurses all across the country, particularly the West coast. And was wondering if those shortages are due to the recent news about Obamacare.

Nurses are having a hard time finding work after graduating- a scary thought for anyone looking into nursing. There's obviously more than one underlying cause, but can anyone please shed some light on the situation?

Thanks!

You do realize "Obamacare" doesn't really go into full affect until 2014. As a RN and a current NP student I believe that government healthcare will increase the amount of Americans seeking healthcare in all settings. NP's and other primary care providers are going to be in very high demand because right now most uninsured patients are not able to afford to utilize primary care. Hospitals will also see an influx of the formerly uninsured coming in for elective procedures they could not previously afford. Overall, I believe job prospects will increase because of Obamacare

marinelayer

19 Posts

The Affordable Care Act has nothing to do with a lack of nurses. The so-called "nursing shortage" began more than a decade ago:

Nursing Shortage Is Over in U.S. Until Retirement Glut Hits - Bloomberg

The Affordable Care Act will (arguably) increase employment for healthcare workers:

How Does Obamacare Impact Healthcare Jobs | First Choice Emergency Room: ER Clinics in Dallas, Houston and Austin

phuretrotr

292 Posts

The Affordable Care Act

This. Not ObamaCare. More specifically The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.

RNpearls1908

273 Posts

I'm starting to feel like the nursing shortage only applies to New grads. Even tho I'm still in school I've seen numerous job openings but req atleast some sort of years experience. Just my thoughts. Also that lack of insurance n self treating plays a role too.

Overland1, RN

465 Posts

...The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.

That is quite a catchy (albeit long) name, and this indeed what counts. ;)

Specializes in Pediatrics, Emergency, Trauma.
The Affordable Care Act has nothing to do with a lack of nurses. The so-called "nursing shortage" began more than a decade ago:

Nursing Shortage Is Over in U.S. Until Retirement Glut Hits - Bloomberg

The Affordable Care Act will (arguably) increase employment for healthcare workers:

How Does Obamacare Impact Healthcare Jobs | First Choice Emergency Room: ER Clinics in Dallas, Houston and Austin

Thank YOU!!! (HUGS) keep posting the truth...sometimes it's an uphill battle explaining the opportunities of solutions in the middle of an economic mess (that started 30 years before and just exploded)...Thank You again!!!!

SC_RNDude

533 Posts

You do realize "Obamacare" doesn't really go into full affect until 2014. As a RN and a current NP student I believe that government healthcare will increase the amount of Americans seeking healthcare in all settings. NP's and other primary care providers are going to be in very high demand because right now most uninsured patients are not able to afford to utilize primary care. Hospitals will also see an influx of the formerly uninsured coming in for elective procedures they could not previously afford. Overall, I believe job prospects will increase because of Obamacare

The formerly uninsured will be coming in for elective procedures? I don't see that insurance companies or the government will be in any big rush to pay for more people's elective procedures.

tewdles, RN

3,156 Posts

Specializes in PICU, NICU, L&D, Public Health, Hospice.
The formerly uninsured will be coming in for elective procedures? I don't see that insurance companies or the government will be in any big rush to pay for more people's elective procedures.

I certainly know of a few people who will seek medical intervention for problems that they have not had coverage for...

a torn rotator cuff, a torn meniscus are examples of needs that people put off until they have insurance to help them pay for the interventions (surgery)...until then they struggle with pain and functional losses.

SC_RNDude

533 Posts

I certainly know of a few people who will seek medical intervention for problems that they have not had coverage for...

a torn rotator cuff, a torn meniscus are examples of needs that people put off until they have insurance to help them pay for the interventions (surgery)...until then they struggle with pain and functional losses.

I'm not as confident as you that just because the law says everyone will have healthcare, that the insurance companies, healthcare facilities, and government will have the means to provide it.

Topher53

40 Posts

Thanks SC RNdude, exactly my point.

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